The word Advent means "coming." I know many churches and denominations do notcelebrate the Advent in atraditional sense but it is a wonderful way to keep your family minds and heart on the reason for the season.
The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in his First Advent, and as Christians we are anticipatingthe Lords return or his Second Advent.
Thus, Advent is far more than simply marking a 2,000 year old event in history. It is celebrating a truth about God, the revelation of God in Christ whereby all of creation might be reconciled to God.
Scripture reading for Advent will reflect this emphasis on the Second Advent, including themes of accountability for faithfulness at His coming, judgment on sin, and the hope of eternal life.
Advent also symbolizes the spiritual journey of individuals and a congregation, as they affirm that Christ has come, that He is present in the world today, and that He will come again in power.
So even though my church doesn't necessary promote the Advent it is my family holiday tradition. We make an advent wreath (we recyle every year). We buy an Advent calendar or make one. We light candles, we read scripture, we sing a Christmas song, we learn a little history, and we try to have an activity every other day if possible. We do the things like
arts and craft, trim the tree, volunteer together and do fun things like seeing the Christmas decorations in our area, see a play, etc.
My children get so excited as we count down to Jesus Birthday. On Christmas we eat a red velvet cupcake for Jesus birthday cake. I bet youdidn't know Jesus likes red velvet cupcakes, lol.
Please share what your family like to do for the holiday.
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